Toni Grande: Carles Puyol likely to be dropped for the World Cup

Carles Puyol

Spain’s assistant coach Toni Grande revealed earlier today the Barcelona centre back Carles Puyol will not feature in the upcoming World cup unless he starts playing more often for his club.

Grande told Spanish radio, “We haven’t completely ruled him out yet, but naturally, he needs to play a lot more often and be involved in the thick of the action.

“We haven’t ruled him out yet because there are still three more months until the World Cup, but it’s very difficult for him.

Grande went on and praised the Spaniard for being a commited player and felt that the 35 year old can be a model for the aspiring defenders coming up in their country,

“He’s been a vital player to the team for a very long time.

“Not just on the pitch, but also off it, because of his experience, commitment, exemplary behaviour and optimism.

Puyol has represented Spain 100 times, scoring 3 goals in the process. He lifted the European cup in 2008 and 2012, and the FIFA World Cup in 2010.